5 bed semi-detached house for sale

Clova Road, London E7

Smart, clean-lined finishes characterise this spacious four-bedroom house in Forest Gate, east London. It is set over three storeys, with the ground floor given over to a series of open living spaces that lead towards an exceptional garden at the rear, complete with a low-maintenance natural swimming pond and studio with fifth bedroom behind. Forest Gate's station and independent provisors are within easy reach, as are the conveniences of Stratford and the greenery of Wanstead Flats.

The Tour

The house's stock brick and stucco frontage is brought to life by a posy pink-painted front door. A smart front garden, mainly laid to lawn, separates it from the quiet street in front. The garden has been cleverly designed so as to combine the practicality of an off-street driveway with eco considerations, by reinforcing the lawn with underlying 'grass pavers' so it can take the weight of a car, while ensuring rainwater drainage and a wildlife-friendly environment.

Entry is to a hallway with a green leafy mural painted on either side. Dark floorboards here lead towards the living room, where floors are the original pine boards. A bay window draws plenty of light into the sitting room, though white-painted shutters allow for privacy when required. Large Crittall-style glazing allows this brightness to travel into the rear part of the double reception room, currently used as a playroom-cum-Peloton studio, but which would suit a variety of uses. Walls are a calming shade of taupe.

The rear of the house has an exceptionally wide plan, which is occupied by a brilliant open-plan kitchen, dining and secondary sitting room. The latter is arranged in the middle, with playful cork flooring underfoot. The kitchen is grounded by attractive Mandarin Stone tiles, their irregular geometric pattern adding visual appeal.

A bank of white cabinetry runs along one side of the room and walnut-fronted cabinetry along the other, with plenty of preparation space along a quartz countertop. Appliances have been integrated and are from Neff. Above a zellige tiled splash-back is a long open shelf that provides space for cookbooks, vases and other day-to-day items. There is plenty of room for a large dining set-up in between the two runs of cabinetry and in front of the bifold doors that open to the garden. A smart utility room completes the ground-floor plan, with a side door for entry after muddy walks.

There are four bedrooms, the principal of which lies on the first floor. A bay window and a single sash here allow plenty of light in, illuminating the gentle pairing of mocha-brown walls and soft carpet. An en suite shower room adjoins and has been immaculately finished with sage green walls, marble flooring and a sublime walk-in shower clad with emerald zellige tiles.

Two further bedrooms on this floor utilise playful palettes of yellow and blue respectively, adding to the warm atmosphere. With walls washed in a pink shade from Lick, the family bathroom is a luxurious space. Mandarin Stone terrazzo runs underfoot, while a sumptuous Lusso Stone bath sits beneath a large showerhead. All tiles are by Mandarin Stone. There is also a useful study on this floor, with a large, built-in plywood desk that fits two people. A window provides views over neighbouring rooftops.

In the loft is another generous bedroom, which has green views over the garden below. There is an en suite with a walk-in shower on this level too.

A separate studio with a mezzanine sits at the foot of the garden and is brilliantly convenient as overspill accommodation. With a kitchenette and an en suite shower room, it works well as an independent retreat for guests seeking privacy.

Outdoor Space

Exceedingly generous, the garden unfurls from behind the kitchen. A paved area sits nearest the house, with a barbeque and a seating area. A planted concrete wall and a gate divide this area from the firepit, sunbathing terrace of wooden-sleepers and the wonderful natural, freshwater swimming pond beyond. Here, plenty of reeds and water-plants have had time to bed in, keeping the water crystal clear.

The rear half of the garden is largely left to lawn, save for beds stocked with hydrangea, lavender, wistera and plenty of succulents and grasses. There is also a hidden composting bin.

Adjacent to the studio is a handy hard-standing of clay-pavers with a garden storage shed and convenient rear access via a quiet mews.

The Area

We've written more about our recommendations in Forest Gate in our Journal.

Forest Gate is, as its name would suggest, in close proximity to some of east London's most impressive leafy areas. The expansive Wanstead Flats, Wanstead Park and Epping Forest are all within easy reach, along with West Ham Park and its stunning ornamental garden and sports facilities. Forest Gate Community Garden is a delightful spot with biodiverse plantings, a pond and a roster of events.

The area has established a reputation for its well-loved local provisors in recent years, including Ancient Lights Bakery and Giovanna’s Deli and Wine, which sit a short distance from Clova Road. Cups and Jars unpackaged grocery and cafe is also nearby, as is the friendly gastro pub Forest Tavern.

Winchelsea Road is a 20-minute walk from the house and has a brilliant offering of thriving independent businesses, including the microbrewery Pretty Decent Beer, wine bar Joyau, craft beer and arts venue The Wanstead Tap, as well as E7 Movement fitness studio, Wild Goose Bakery and trendy play cafe The Can Club.

There are plenty of schools nearby, including “outstanding” secondaries Forest Gate Community School and Sarah Bonnell School, and well-regarded primaries Earlham and Park Primary Schools.

Forest Gate and Maryland stations (Elizabeth line) are a 10-minute walk away and runs Elizabeth line services on an east-west axis. Wanstead Park station is 15 minutes on foot and is on the Suffragette line of the Overground. The area is also well-served by bus links.

Council Tax Band: D